Volunteer drivers for off-season (April - September) are needed to deliver meals. This is an ideal opportunity for high school students looking to fulfill their Bright Futures community service requirement over the summer.

Dynamic individuals to serve on the Board and be involved in the growth of the organization.

Background Statement

Meals on Wheels of Sarasota was founded by a concerned and dedicated group of volunteers, headed by Jim Pierce, in 1972. From the beginning, the organization has maximized the power of generous volunteers to deliver meals from University Parkway to Blackburn Pointe Rd., and from I-75 westward to Longboat Key, Lido Key and Siesta Key.

The group came together with the leaders of three downtown churches (Church of the Redeemer, First Baptist, and St. Martha's Catholic Church) to address the nutritional needs of homebound individuals. For the first fifteen years, until 1987, MOW used the cafeteria kitchen at St. Martha's School to prepare its meals. We currently own our own kitchen at 421 N. Lime Avenue.

The founding group decided to not accept government funding in order to be able to reach out to as many people as possible. The organization has kept this principle, which allows us the flexibility to serve anyone who needs it, regardless of their age and income.

Meals on Wheels of Sarasota fulfills a very important human need: a daily hot meal. It is easy to forget that there is hunger in our community, but it continues to be prevalent and widespread. It is an issue that transcends age and economic status. We serve people who do not have enough to feed themselves and their families, and people who are physically incapable (because of age, injury, or disability) to make their own meals.

Though it can be challenging to serve such a wide range of different groups, we are lucky enough to count on a generous and dedicated group of volunteers. These Sarasota citizens are invested in making sure none of their neighbors go hungry.

We also work closely with other nonprofits and groups, such as Salvation Army, St. Martha's Catholic Church, Bethesda House, and Resurrection House. We are currently working to set up a collaborative relationship with Goodwill's veteran program and with other Meals on Wheels in our area. We believe that creating strong relationships within the non-profit community will enable us to provide better services to people in need.

Statement from the CEO/Executive Director

Meals on Wheels of Sarasota is a unique organization, both in Sarasota and amongst other Meals on Wheels operations. Most Meals on Wheels are reliant on state and federal grants to finance their operations. Though there are advantages to this model, it can also be limiting. Because most government grants view MOW as a senior funding program, it is often restricted to individuals over the age of 60 years.

Meals on Wheels of Sarasota has a much greater degree of flexibility to meet the needs of our neighbors. We are NOT restricted to assisting anyone because of their age. This allows us to expand the reach of our service and deliver meals to people who need them because of economic, physical, or mental need. For example, Meals on Wheels of Sarasota has been able to help veterans struggling to re-adjust back into civilian life.

We are actively working with other nonprofits to determine how we can all serve our society in a more efficient manner, reaching as many of our neighbors as possible.

Lastly, Meals on Wheels of Sarasota is not just a program for the poor or financially stressed; but rather a program for those in need. If a person cannot prepare or get a meal, we want to serve them. We ask all of our clients for a $4.50 donation for every meal we serve them. However, because only 17% of our clients can make any donation we subsidize 83% of the meals we serve.

Meals On Wheels of Sarasota delivers hot meals to individuals in their homes who, because of age, physical/mental disability, financial need or incapacitation are unable to prepare a meal for themselves. The meals are delivered by dedicated volunteers. Our goal is to allow our clients to maintain the highest level of independence and dignity possible, while living in their own home or residence.

Population ServedElderly and/or Disabled People/Families of People with Health Conditions People/Families with of People with Psychological Disabilities

Short Term Success

Individuals who have a nutritional need (whether by sudden physical or financial circumstances, or from the effects of illness or aging) are able to have that need met in their home. Re-assessment of recipients of meals are conducted quarterly through questionnaires and home visits; volunteers who deliver meals and who act as first line of emergency notification report weekly if not daily to update office with status of clientele.

Long Term Success

Individuals in need will be able to meet their nutritional needs maintain their self-respect while living independently in their own homes with dignity.

Program Success Monitoring

The screening committee is charged with verifying our client's needs on an monthly/quarterly basis.

Program Success Examples

Many residents of Sarasota County are unaware that there are many pockets of working class and poor individuals, and many elderly, whom have been adversely affected by the economic downturn over the last several years.

Over the last ten years, our organization has never served LESS tahn 439 meals/daily, and frequently have served over 555 meals/day.

Comments

Program Comments by Organization

The service that we offer is basic to our clients' well-being: a hot meal every day. Our biggest challenge is to reach out to people so that we don't under-serve our market. There are many of our neighbors in Sarasota that need to be fed but that do not know about our services. We can provide meals to the elderly, to the disabled, and to the financially strained.

Because we don't receive any government funding, we need to count on you to support us - both monetarily and with volunteer efforts. We provide an average of 550 meals six days a week to clients in north Sarasota County, and we do this with just five paid staff. Every day, over 40 volunteers come to our kitchen and help package and deliver the meals.

In addition, Meals On Wheels of Sarasota does not accept any governmental funding; we believe this allows us the greatest level of flexibility to assist people in need in our community. Throughout the years, donors have been integral with gifts and bequests, to ensure that we can continue in this important mission.

Help us to help others in the Sarasota Community.

Program Comments by Foundation

CEO/Executive Director

CEO/Executive Director Marjorie Broughton

CEO Term Start 0

CEO/Executive Director Emailmargiebroughtonsrq@gmail.com

Former CEOs/Executive Directors

Name

Term

Senior Staff

Name

Title

Judy Johnson

Driver Coordinator

Wojciech Wojciak

Chef/Head Cook

Staff & Volunteer Statistics

Full Time Staff2

Part Time Staff4

Staff Retention Rate %100

Professional DevelopmentYes

Contractors0

Volunteers225

Management Reports to BoardYes

CEO/Executive Director Formal EvaluationYes

Senior Management Formal EvaluationYes

Non-Management Formal EvaluationYes

Collaborations

Meals on Wheels of Sarasota has a long history of collaborating with local churches. In fact, the organization was founded by volunteers working closely with three churches: St. Martha's, Church of the Redeemer, and First Sarasota Baptist Church.

In addition, Meals on Wheels works with other non-profit organizations, such as the Salvation Army, Bethesda House, Resurrection House, the Humane Society of Sarasota, Goodwill, and the Senior Friendship Meals on Wheels Program.

The organization is constantly working to increase collaboration with other non-profits in order to ensure the best services possible for the Sarasota community.

In 2013, we approached the three other Meals On Wheels operations in south Sarasota County (Englewood, North Port and Port Charlotte) to review their food costs and propose a food buying consortium. This would lower the other operations' food costs by up to 25%.

In February, 2014, the Meals On Wheels operations from the following areas met: Sarasota, Venice, Port Charlotte and Senior Friendship Centers throughout southwest Florida. We discussed different opportunities to do joint marketing and fundraising. This would allow us the duel benefit of raising the awareness of the entire two county area as to the plight of elder hunger, as well as consolidate and unify the message that is going out to the community.

Meals On Wheels of Sarasota and the programs in Venice, Port Charlotte and Senior Friendship collaborated to participate in the Meals On Wheels Association of America program called March For Meals. This campaign is designed to raise awareness of senior hunger in our communities, primarily by having government officials and local notables deliver meals and draw attention to the need of seniors. The group submitted for a grant from the national organization and were awarded a $1,500 grant, which was divided between the four organizations on a pro rata basis.

Affiliations

Affiliation

Year

External Assessments and Accreditations

Assessment/Accreditation

Year

Awards & Recognition

Award/Recognition

Organization

Year

Risk Management Provisions

Government Licenses

Organization Licensed by the GovernmentNo

Plans

Fundraising PlanNo

Communication PlanNo

Strategic PlanYes

Strategic Plan Years2

Strategic Plan Adopted July 2014

Management Succession PlanNo

Policies and ProceduresNo

Continuity of Operations PlanNo

Policies

Nondiscrimination PolicyYes

Whistle Blower PolicyYes

Document Destruction PolicyYes

Directors and Officers Insurance PolicyYes

Comments

Management Comments by Organization

Meals on Wheels is currently reviewing its operations to improve meal delivery. A grant for $25,000 was recently received to update software and computer equipment.

Management Comments by Foundation

Board Chair

Board Chair Alan Sprintz

Company Affiliationcommunity volunteer

Board TermJan 2015 to Dec 2018

Board Chair Emailalan1745@yahoo.com

Board Members

Board Members

Name

Affiliation

Les Fishman

Community Volunteer

Ms. Lisa Knepp

US Trust

Jack McGarry

Community Volunteer

Beatriz Paniego-Bejar

UNIDOS Now

Dick Robbins

Community Volunteer

Alan Sprintz

Community Volunteer

Student serving on the board through Community Youth Development?No

Board Demographics - Ethnicity

African American/Black0

Asian American/Pacific Islander0

Caucasian5

Hispanic/Latino1

Native American/American Indian0

Other0 0

Board Demographics - Gender

Male4

Female2

Unspecified0

Governance

Board Term Lengths3

Board Term Limits2

Board OrientationYes

Number of Full Board Meetings Annually11

Board Meeting Attendance %85

Board Self-EvaluationYes

Written Board Selection CriteriaYes

Written Conflict of Interest PolicyYes

% of Board Making Monetary Contributions100

% of Board Making In-Kind Contributions100

Constituency Includes Client RepresentationNo

Standing Committees

Finance

Board Governance

Communications / Promotion / Publicity / Public Relations

Comments

Governance Comments by Organization

Meals On Wheels has made great strides in its establishment of an effective governance structure. There are now formal policies on non-discrimination, investments & gifts, whistle-blowing, and conflict-of-interest. The Board selection process has been formalized, and includes a written description of a Board Members duties and responsibilities.

Meals On Wheels does not receive government funding; throughout our 40 years of service, we have relied on three sources of income: client payments for their meals; bequests and donations; and grants. Approximately 70% of our clients are unable to make fiscal contributions. Bequests and donations made over the years have allowed us to build a significant cash reserve, which is drawn on to cover operational shortfalls. Grants have tended to be projected oriented, although there are numerous grants to cover operational expenses.

The Meals On Wheels financial statements are best to understand the operational nature of the organization. We serve over 500 people/day. 30% of the expenses are covered by contributions from the clients. The organization is determined to increase this percentage, and are striving to have all clients contribute something, as a demonstration of understanding that Meals On Wheels and they are working together. The submission of grants is a top priority for the organization in 2014. The Board believes there are many opportunities to request funds for projects, asset replacement and operations.

And, lastly, the Executive Director and the Board will continue to increase the community's awareness of the need for Meals On Wheels and the importance in meeting the needs of so many people. In this manner, relationships will be created, and Meals On Wheels will hopefully be included in the planning documents of estates.

Financial Comments by FoundationFoundations and corporations are included with individual contributions as they are not separated in the 990 or audit. Financial figures taken from IRS Form 990. 990 and audit are reconciled.

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY, INC. IS A REGISTERED 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT CORPORATION.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER
SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE (1-800-HELP-FLA) OR FROM THE WEBSITE:
WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM.
REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) OF
EACH CONTRIBUTION IS RECEIVED BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY. REGISTRATION #SC-02471.

Published profiles in The Giving Partner do not indicate endorsements by partner foundations.